Releases | New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs

Lincoln and Fort Stanton Historic Sites call for volunteers to help bring their work alive

December 2nd, 2021

Lincoln, NM – Join Lincoln and Fort Stanton Historic Sites and experience history up close in some of the most legendary places in New Mexico. Former volunteers are invited to return, and the sites continue to seek new recruits for the volunteer program. 

Volunteers with Fort Stanton, Inc. returned when the site reopened in February to greet guests, operate the store, and provide orientation to the site. Lincoln Historic Site welcomed back its volunteers and docents during the Old Lincoln Days festival in August of 2021. These community members, who provide an immeasurable resource with their time and talent, returned to the historic properties for the first time since March 2020.  

New Mexico Historic Sites, the Friends of Historic Lincoln, Fort Stanton, Inc., and the Last Escape of Billy the Kid Pageant Committee have collaborated to activate both sites and bring them alive. Volunteers help create seasonal re-enactments, join local art and food vendors, assist with historical lectures and tours, participate in living history demonstrations and children’s activities, and other events. 

“Volunteers make it possible for us to open buildings that require someone’s presence when we don’t have the staff to do so,” said Bo Chesney, interim regional manager for Fort Stanton and Lincoln Historic Sites. “It is also a great opportunity to learn more about the sites. We’ll teach you what you need to know to feel comfortable giving tours or answering questions. For volunteers that are shy, we also have other opportunities to contribute to the Historic Sites, including activities such as gardening, seasonal cleaning, and setting up for activities.” 

“Fort Stanton, Inc. is incredibly proud of our fantastic volunteers who generously donate their time and talents to our amazing historic site,” said Steve Duffy, president of Fort Stanton, Inc. “Even during the challenging times of COVID-19, our volunteer numbers have remained strong. From those who serve on the board, to those fantastic docents who run the Museum Gift Shop, to our tireless summer volunteers, our organization is truly blessed. In addition to day-to-day efforts, our volunteers help ensure the success of activities such as Fort Stanton Live! and Fort Stanton After Dark, just two examples of events which help promote the Fort’s fascinating history. Fort Stanton Inc. is also appreciative of efforts by such volunteer groups as Americorps NCCC and EcoServants, and looks forward to hosting these groups in the future. We are so thankful to these dedicated volunteers for their continuing passion and dedication to the Fort.”  

For more information about volunteering, please contact Bo Chesney at herbert.chesney@state.nm.us or (575) 315-4184. 

 

About New Mexico Historic Sites  New Mexico Historic Sites is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and its donors. The New Mexico Historic Sites system was established in 1931 by an Act for the Preservation of the Scientific Resources of New Mexico. The eight Historic Sites include Coronado, Fort Selden, Fort Stanton, Fort Sumner Historic Site/Bosque Redondo Memorial, Jemez, Lincoln, and Los Luceros

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New Mexico Historic Sites logo - June 2019

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